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rickenbacker 4003 vs 4004 Laredo

#21
Doctor J said:
Having sold my old 4003 because I found it too uncomfortable, the 4004 has always been of interest. I notice some have forearm contours and some don't, is this a model specification (Laredo vs Cheyenne) or was it just something they did for a brief period of time? For me, no forearm contour is a deal breaker.
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The 4004s had contours from 93 to 99 ... actually the ones without the contours and just the rounded edges are actually more comfortable.

Here's an older one with contours.

4004%20024.jpg
 
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#22
Doctor J said:
Having sold my old 4003 because I found it too uncomfortable, the 4004 has always been of interest. I notice some have forearm contours and some don't, is this a model specification (Laredo vs Cheyenne) or was it just something they did for a brief period of time? For me, no forearm contour is a deal breaker.
Click to expand...

Rickenbacker also re-introduced the 4003s without binding ...
 
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#23
Thanks. It's not just the binding, even a slab with curved edges doesn't work for me, must have an awkward technique. I shall keep an eye out for a mid 90's one. While I don't miss the playability, I do miss Ric tone in my life.
 
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#24
Interesting to note people talking about comfort issues with the 4003. I recently acquired one after playing contoured basses forever and noticed no issues at all. In fact it is at least as comfortable as any of my Fenders and certainly easier to play from a fretting point of view. In fact this 2011 4003 sounds more like I have wanted my many jazz basses to sound like each day, especially with both pups on full.
Horses for courses I guess.
 
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#30
image.jpg
When I bought my 4003 last year from a local store, they also had a couple 4004's which I played for a bit. Much thicker baseball bat necks compared to the 4003's. However, I damn near grabbed this transparent blue 4004 just because how the color faded into a cool purple. Couldn't do it tho, needed the traditional Rick tone.
 
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#32
Its like comparing a Jazz and an L2000. If you want the classic mojo and tone you go for the Jazz. However, objectively speaking, the L2000 is superior ergonomically and functionally. Ultimately the final decision is purely objective - what do you value more? Personally I love both the 3 and 4, and as superficial as it is, my final decision between the two would be determined by the finish. In this case well, lol...I'd go for it just to get 200 bucks in my pocket.
 
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#33
Ric5 said:
The newer 4004 made in the last few years get a slimmer 4003 style neck.
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yup and 2 piece necks . I think some basses had issues where the neck is so stiff the truss rod won't do anything . I don't have that problem but I've adjusted it twice in all these years . She is an '08 and one of the very last BBR's to roll off the line . Some folks won't remember it took 3 to 4 years to make all the BBR's and some other COY's but it gave us time to pay them off before they arrived :smug:
 
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#39
Snowglo said:
View attachment 591296 When I bought my 4003 last year from a local store, they also had a couple 4004's which I played for a bit. Much thicker baseball bat necks compared to the 4003's. However, I damn near grabbed this transparent blue 4004 just because how the color faded into a cool purple. Couldn't do it tho, needed the traditional Rick tone.
Click to expand...

Oh yes,i recognize that one,at Apple Music in Portland. I played it,and also fell in love with the color.
The main thing that keeps the 4004 models from sounding more like a clanky classic Rick is the stock electronics.
I have 3 4004 variants,(Cheyenne I,Cheyenne II,and Laredo). All 3 have had the pot/cap upgrades,and all of them sound great. Dane Wilder did the harnesses,and i thoroughly recommend him,it's is a pretty inexpensive mod that makes a good sounding bass much more versatile.(and better sounding!)
Plus,$1200 for a good condition 4004 is a steal,IMO.
I don't much care for the 4001/3 models myself,unless it's an S model,but even then,I still prefer the overall ergonomics and feel of the 4004 models.
Here's my current brood. (Plus an import 8 string)
image.jpg
 
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#40
nopalfunk said:
Hi everyone

I have a doubt, I have a beautiful Rickenbacker 4003 jetglo 2008 but after some research seems the 4004's are more comfortable to play and their pups have more output, what did you think about it? which one is better? It could be a good idea sell my 4003 to get this beauty? the 4003's are more expensive vs the 4004's?

The guy who is selling the 4004 is asking $1200...and seems I can get $1400 for my jetglo...

Thanks for your advice
Click to expand...

Ok,i just now looked at the pic of the 4004--BUY IT!
The ones with maple fretboards were only made for a few years,so this is a semi rare model.
Of course,i recommend you play it first,and make sure you like the neck,etc. if possible.
But if not,and you don't like it,re-sale should not be much of an issue.
 
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